Deputies arrest Vincent Orona of Apple Valley for pointing a laser at a Sheriff's Department helicopter
DATE/TIME: March 10th, 2018 / 8:34 pm
INCIDENT: PC 247.5 Discharge of Laser at Aircraft PC-247.5.
LOCATION: 21960 State Highway 18 Outer Highway, Apple Valley
SUSPECT: Vincent Orona, a 32-year-old resident of Apple Valley
VICTIM: Sheriff's Flight Crew
SUMMARY:
On March 10th, at approximately 8:34 pm, Sheriff's helicopter 40King8, with a crew of Pilot Deputy Jon Roberg and Tactical Flight Officer Deputy Cody Korkotsakis, was on patrol in the City of Apple Valley. The crew was struck multiple times by a green laser. The crew, using their FLIR camera, were able to locate the subject who was pointing the laser at their helicopter from a vehicle at 21960 State Highway 18 Outer Highway and requested patrol deputies from the Apple Valley Station to assist.
Deputies responded to the location and conducted an investigation. Deputies identified Vincent Orona as the suspect and were also able to recover the laser Orona used to point at the aircraft. Orona was arrested for a violation of Penal Code Section PC247.5 Discharge of Laser at Aircraft. Orona was transported and booked into the High Desert Detention Center.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department would like to remind the public that pointing any type of laser at an aircraft in operation, while in motion or in flight, could severely damage the pilot's ability to control the aircraft safely. It is, therefore, a felony in the State of California and is also a Federal offense.
Refer: C. Korkotsakis/#D7728
Station: Emergency Operatins / Aviation
Phone No. 909-252-4100
Case No. DR#181801373
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Apple Valley Police Department
14931 Dale Evans Pkwy
Apple Valley, CA 92307
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1